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The U.S. Federal
Communications Commission Has Officially Approved the Use of the F-word on Any TV
or Radio Show-Truth! & Fiction!
Summary of the eRumor The eRumor says that the
FCC has decided to allow the use of the F-word on any TV or radio
show at any time of day or night.
It's in the form of an appeal from the American Family Association
urging citizens to complain to the FCC and to members of congress.
The Truth An FCC decision about a
particular occurrence of the F-word on a telecast has sparked controversy,
but it isn't accurate to say that the FCC has approved blanket use
of the F-word on radio and television.
It was during the Golden Globes Awards telecast on January 19, 2003
that Bono of the band U2 told the audience "this is really,
really, f___ing brilliant"" The FCC said the comment was
also reported as "this is f___ing great."
There were numerous complaints.
The FCC issued a ruling that said Bono used the word as an adjective
and not to describe sexual or excretory organs or activities, which
is the FCC's key test for broadcast indecency.
In it's ruling, the FCC said that such "fleeting and isolated
remarks of this nature do not warrant Commission action."
Still, critics are saying that even the use of the F-word as an
adjective has not been that common on broadcasts, primarily because
of fear of running afoul of the FCC and they fear this will mark a
change.
The FCC responds to complaints of viewers and listeners and rulings
regarding objectionable words and scenes have been made before,
especially about radio programs.
An FCC decision is not the only one affecting what is broadcast.
There are also local or state laws that are a part of the picture as
well as the decisions and standards of broadcast organizations...not
to mention the public.
Last updated 11/24/03
A real example of the eRumor as it has
appeared on the Internet:
FCC APPROVES USE OF THE "F" WORD ON TV AND
RADIO!
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED NOW!
The Federal Communications Commission has approved
the use of the "F" word
for use on any TV show or radio program, ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT!
The FCC said the word can be used whenever desired
except in sexual
situations!
>>That means that real soon you will be
watching a sit-com on TV, or news,
or any drama or movie-ANY PROGRAM-and it's ok! Hollywood is
rejoicing!
>>Soon, when you are driving your kids to
school you will be listening
to a song which makes extensive use of the word.
>>Shock jocks such as Howard Stern are now free to use any
language,
no matter how vile and repugnant, on their radio shows. And use it
they will.
>>No longer will movies shown on TV have to be edited because
of language.
